U-18 MNT Open Slovakia Cup with 2-2 Draw Agaisnt Hungary

NewsApr 24, 2006

GALANTA, Slovakia (April 24, 2006) - The U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team squandered a two-goal lead in the second half and ended up only getting one point out of their 2-2 draw with Hungary in their opening match of the 2006 Slovakia Cup.

The U.S. jumped out to an early lead with a goal by Perica Marosevic in the 13th minute and then doubled their lead seven minutes later when Michael Stephens buried a chance, but a red card to Marosevic and two Hungary goals by Gyonber Gabor led to the draw.

The U.S. will next face Malta on April 25, before finishing up Group A play against Slovakia on April 27.

Stephens started the USA's first goal from midfield, pushing the ball out wide to Casey Townsend. The Traverse City, Mich., native crossed the ball into the box where Marosevic hit a one-timer into the net.

On the second U.S. goal, Stephens dribbled away from the sideline as he found space in the middle of the field and unleashed a 30-yard drive into the upper corner.

Hungary pulled one back in the 50th minute off a deflected save by Brian Perk. Gabor jumped on the rebound and slotted it into the net.

Five minutes later, Marosevic was sent off after a scuffle with a Hungarian player after the two both slid in on a tough tackle. The Hungarian player kicked Marosevic when he tried to get up, but the referee pulled the red card for what the U.S. forward's retaliation.

In the 78th minute, Gabor gave Hungary a point when he finished off an attack that started from a throw-in. Farkas Balazs served the ball in after collecting the throw-in and Gabor hit a half-volley past Perk.